San Diego, CA · Private University
Is University of San Diego Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$86,522
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$56,444
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$56,444
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$225,776
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.53x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
81.6%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$22,940
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$31,265
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of San Diego graduates earn $41,522 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of San Diego ranked by graduate earnings
28 graduates
19 graduates
34 graduates
51 graduates
52 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of San Diego
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of San Diego, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $104,948) and the lowest (English Language and Literature, General: $41,178) is $63,770/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI(1yr data) | $104,948 | 1.9x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $97,216 | 1.7x |
| Real Estate | $93,940 | 1.7x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $88,885 | 1.6x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $88,651 | 1.6x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $88,295 | 1.6x |
| Industrial Engineering(1yr data) | $80,644 | 1.4x |
| International Business | $76,666 | 1.4x |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $70,621 | 1.3x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $70,363 | 1.3x |
| Marketing | $69,411 | 1.2x |
| Political Science and Government | $64,626 | 1.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $57,436 | 1.0x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $56,779 | 1.0x |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $56,690 | 1.0x |
| Psychology, General | $55,078 | 1.0x |
| Biology, General | $53,473 | 0.9x |
| Sociology | $51,065 | 0.9x |
| English Language and Literature, GeneralLowest | $41,178 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of San Diego offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $86,522 10 years after starting, $41,522 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.4 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.